Can Ping Pong Tables Stay Outside? (Answer Revealed)

Most table tennis players focus on playing on the club or an inside court but wait for a second; you can do it outside as well! But what to do when you have an inside ping pong table, and you want to take it to the outdoors? That is a good question.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about ping pong tables outside, outdoor ping pong tables, what to know about both of them and some additional things that every table tennis player should know. But before those things, can ping pong tables stay outside?

In short, a regular indoor ping pong table can stay outside if the surface won’t be exposed to moisture. However, if it gets wet, you should wipe it as soon as you are done playing. Also, there are outdoor ping pong tables that can be outside at all times.

As we can see, there is no problem playing outside with an indoor ping pong table as long as it doesn’t get wet because it would damage the table over time.

Luckily there are many outdoor tables constructed from different materials that can be outside without worrying about bringing them inside all the time. In fact, I have an in-depth article about the best 13 table tennis tables for all needs that I highly encourage you to read!

Indoor vs outdoor table tennis

There are many differences between indoor and outdoor table tennis tables, however, outdoor table tennis is only for casual playing and competitive tournaments aren’t ever held outdoor. Now, let’s take a look at the differences between the two.

1. Weather

The biggest difference between the two is how the weather will affect them and the playing itself. Because of the weather, you can’t keep an indoor table tennis table outside all the time or else it will get ruined. This is mainly because of too much sunlight and moisture.

Also, when it comes to the playing itself, if there is too much wind, which isn’t needed a lot to make the game horrible to play because the hollow, thin, and light ping pong ball will get affected too much by it. That’s no surprise because a ping pong ball usually weighs around 2.7g.

2. Material

Material is the reason why ping pong tables can’t stay outside. In most cases, an indoor ping pong table is constructed from some composite steel, and the table itself is made from wood such as plywood pine wood.

Naturally, you can’t keep wooden tables outside without any thought because they will get moisture and sun, which will result in softened and deformed tables with cracks from the sunlight.

3. Space

Finally, with outdoor ping pong tables, you have a lot more space to place your table virtually anywhere you want. On the other hand, with indoor tables, you need to have a big space inside if you want to properly play table tennis.

There is much more to learn about the differences between indoor and outdoor tables in addition to these 3 main factors so you should definitely see what they are!

How do I protect my ping pong table outside

You can protect your ping pong table outside with a table tennis cover. These weatherproof covers are made for ping pong tables that are flat or folded, and there are even hybrid ones. Table tennis covers to protect the table from scratches and weather elements such as water, wind, sunlight, and dirt.

In fact, I have a comprehensive guide and recommendation about the best 5 table tennis table covers so if you are missing one, I highly recommend that you check that out and learn more!

Are outdoor ping pong tables good

Outdoor ping pong tables are as good as indoor tables, and they are even more durable. However, the playing surface isn’t as good as in indoor tables. Outdoor ping pong tables are usually made from non-corrosive materials such as aluminum and stainless steel. In addition, outdoor tables tend to cost more.

Should I buy indoor or outdoor ping pong table

If you mainly play table tennis indoors, then you should buy an indoor table. You can even take it occasionally outside when the weather allows it. On the other hand, if you want to play outside mostly, then you need an outdoor table, so you don’t need to fold and move it all the time.

There is so much more to know about choosing the right table for you so if you are about to get a new one, check out my all-covering post about how to do it.

How much space do you need for an outdoor ping pong table

As a rule of thumb, if you have a full-sized outdoor ping pong table that is 9ft (2.75m) long and 5ft (1.5m) wide, then you should reserve at least 19ft (5.8m) long and 11ft (3.4m) wide space for playing without any space issues.

Depending on where you are placing the table, outdoors shouldn’t bring so many problems as when you try to put a ping pong table inside. If you are trying to fit it in your backyard that exactly doesn’t have that 19ft long and 11ft wide space, then I recommend that you skimp a little because it can be done with a bit smaller space without noticing space issues.

How much does a ping pong table cost

I counted all the ping pong tables that Killerspin has to offer, and there was a total of 19 of them. The average price from all the ping pong tables was $1497, where the highest full-sized tables were $3,999 and the lowest $549.

Below you can find how many tables were +$3000, +$2000 and so on.

Ping pong table prices	Units above the cost
+$3000	3
+$2000	1
+$1000	5
0-$1000	10

There is much more to know about the prices of table tennis tables and especially why the tables are so expensive. I have an article where I explain everything in-depth that I encourage you to read!

Can indoor table tennis tables be used outside

Indoor table tennis tables can be used outside if you monitor the weather carefully. You want to ensure that it isn’t too moist or too burning hot because the moisture will absorb to the wooden table, and the sunlight can dry out it could crack. Remember to move it back inside when you’re done.

Conclusion

I personally love playing ping pong outside, and if I were to have a table, I would take it to the yard and play when the weather allows it. Still, unfortunately, my house is too small to include a ping pong table, luckily you have a better situation.

All in all, I hope that this article was helpful to you, and you now know better when you can take a ping pong table outside and when you shouldn’t.